US Government Shutdown Hits 27 Days Amid Deadlock
Washington, DC: The United States government shutdown entered its 27th day yesterday, marking the second-longest funding lapse in the nation’s history. With no agreement in sight between Democrats and Republicans, hundreds of thousands of federal employees are currently without pay.
The shutdown began after Congress failed to approve a new spending bill, leading to a partial closure of government operations. Federal workers missed their first full paycheck last week, leaving many struggling to cover basic expenses.
Essential government functions, such as air traffic control, border protection, and federal law enforcement, continue to operate, but employees in these sectors are working without pay. In contrast, national parks, museums, and research facilities have been forced to close or reduce their services.
The American Federation of Government Employees, which represents a significant number of federal workers, has urged Congress to act quickly. National President Everett Kelley called for lawmakers to pass a clean continuing resolution, a temporary funding measure that would reopen the government and ensure full back pay for all affected employees.
“It’s time for Congress to pass a clean continuing resolution, with no half measures and no gamesmanship,” Kelley stated. “Put every single federal worker back on the job with full pay.”
The political deadlock between the two major parties shows little sign of resolution. While both sides agree that government workers deserve to be paid, they remain divided over budget priorities and policy provisions tied to the funding bill.
The prolonged shutdown has sparked growing public concern over its economic and social impacts. Delays in government services, stalled projects, and unpaid federal workers have all contributed to rising frustration among citizens.
Economists warn that if the shutdown continues much longer, it could slow economic growth and harm public confidence. The last major shutdown, which lasted from 2018 to 2019, lasted 35 days and cost the US economy billions of dollars.
As the shutdown drags on, pressure is mounting on lawmakers to reach an agreement and restore normal government operations before more workers and services are affected.
